BW Epic Kosan Expands Use of GIT Hull Coatings

Why It Matters

Proactive hull management cuts fuel consumption and emissions, directly improving CII ratings and charter‑party economics for LPG carriers.

Key Takeaways

• Five LPG carriers already coated; sixth in dry dock.
• Hull roughness dropped to 60‑70 μm, yielding ~6% power gain.
• New XGIT‑FORCE™ coating achieved 38 μm roughness in 2026.
• Proactive cleaning prevents hard fouling, reducing fuel consumption.
• Lloyd’s Register approved coating durability after repeated cleanings.

Pulse Analysis

Hull fouling remains a costly drag on marine vessels, increasing resistance and fuel burn. Graphene‑infused coatings like GIT’s hard foul‑release system promise a biocide‑free alternative that maintains a smoother surface longer than traditional paints. By integrating the coating with robotic cleaning and a data‑driven advisory service, shipowners can shift from reactive scraping to scheduled maintenance, preserving hull integrity while meeting stricter environmental regulations.

BW Epic Kosan’s expanded rollout illustrates the tangible benefits of this approach. After coating five LPG carriers, the company recorded hull roughness as low as 60‑70 μm, translating into an approximate 6% power saving during voyages. The subsequent deployment of the XGIT‑FORCE™ formulation pushed roughness down to 38 μm, a figure well below industry averages, and Lloyd’s Register’s Enhanced Type Approval confirms the coating’s resilience after multiple cleanings. The partnership’s case study, presented at a recent conference, highlighted how early‑stage slime removal prevents hard fouling, sustaining performance without compromising the coating.

For the broader shipping sector, these results signal a shift toward proactive hull management as a lever for cost control and compliance. Lower fuel use directly improves Carbon Intensity Indicator (CII) scores, a growing focus for charter parties and regulators. As fuel prices remain volatile, technologies that deliver measurable efficiency gains—while also reducing biocide discharge—are likely to see accelerated adoption across bulk, tanker, and container fleets. BWEK’s experience provides a roadmap for integrating advanced coatings, cleaning robotics, and advisory analytics into a cohesive, performance‑driven hull strategy.